The loss of Iraqi city Ramadi to the Islamic State is a “serious setback” but the State Department made “very clear” Thursday that, despite the loss, there’s “no formal strategy review here,” said spokesperson Marie Harf.
“This is an ongoing process we always have of taking stock of what’s going on on the battlefield in a variety of places and how best strategically and tactically to approach the situation,” Harf said.
“Why isn’t there a formal strategy review?” asked AP reporter Matt Lee.
“Because we have in place a strategy that we believe is the right one to eventually achieve our goals,” replied Harf. Conceding that the loss of Ramadi is a “serious setback,” she continued: “We have had success in helping the Iraqis push ISIL out of a lot of its territory … we believe the strategy we have is the right one … moving forward.”
“So you think … Palmyra and Ramadi will be short term gains?” asked Lee.
“Every day isn’t going to be a day you win,” Marie Harf said during a tense back-and-forth with reporters.
